Wilson History Oration with Rachel Buchanan

Out of the Straight-Jacket: the art of anti-colonial history

From swamp to chateau to the House of Lords, as Dr Rachel Buchanan researched the wild, globetrotting journey of five magnificent 17th century carvings made by ancestors in Taranaki, she also received an education in the art of anti-colonial history. Through wānanga and discussions with the Hon. Mahara Okeroa and other mentors, Rachel learned how to escape the straight-jacket of historical facts and write a story that is closer to the truth of ongoing tino rangatiratanga - or sovereignty - for Taranaki.

This event is free to all. Register to receive the Zoom link.

Please note the event time is 6 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.

About Rachel

Dr Rachel Buchanan (Taranaki, Te Ātiawa) is a Māori historian who lives on Bunurong land in the western suburbs of Naarm/Melbourne. Rachel’s most recent book, Te Motunui Epa (2022) was a co-winner of the 2023 Ernest Scott Prize for History for distinguished historical writing that contributes to the history of Australia or New Zealand and the 2023 W.H. Oliver Prize for the best book on any aspect of New Zealand history.  Rachel was also a finalist in the inaugural Māori Literature Trust’s Keri Hulme Award and in the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards (illustrated non-fiction). Rachel has been a member of the Professional Historians Association for more than 15 years.

About the Wilson History Oration

The Wilson History Oration was established in memory of Dr Bill Wilson OAM (1942-2021). After retiring from a career in law enforcement, Bill forged a new career as a historian with an unwavering commitment to the PHA. Every year, PHA invite an eminent historian in their field to present the Wilson History Oration to PHA members across Australia.